Oliver Dowden


Oliver James Dowden, is a British politician who, since February 2020, serves as HM Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General 2019–20 and a member of the Conservative Party, Dowden has been returned as Member of Parliament for Hertsmere in Hertfordshire since 2015.

Early life and education

Dowden grew up in Bricket Wood, Hertfordshire, being educated at Parmiter's School, a state comprehensive school in Garston, Watford.
He attests to having received an "excellent state education", before going up to Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he read Law.

Career

Dowden joined the Conservative Research Department in 2004, moving to PR company Hill & Knowlton in 2007, before returning to the Conservative Party in 2009.
He then worked as a special adviser, and David Cameron's deputy chief of staff, where he said most of his time was spent on "day-to-day crisis management". Dowden was regarded as having expertise in the attacking form of political communications, leading to comparisons with Alastair Campbell.
When standing as MP for Hertsmere, among the policy priorities Dowden highlighted in his campaign were improving transport infrastructure, preserving green belt land and improving education. Dowden opposed Brexit prior to the 2016 referendum.
In January 2018, Dowden was promoted to Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office, as part of Theresa May's cabinet reshuffle.
Appointed Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General by incoming Prime Minister Boris Johnson on 24 July 2019 in succession to Dr Jesse Norman, Dowden was sworn of the Privy Council the next day.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

On 13 February 2020, Dowden was appointed Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, succeeding Baroness Morgan of Cotes, who resigned from HM Cabinet.

Honours

He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2015 Dissolution Honours List on 27 August 2015.

Personal life

Dowden is married and has two children.